Jeri’s Black Bean Salad

I just spent a few days visiting my 87 year old Auntie June. She was not happy when i bought beans, lentils and fresh veggies to prepare for her but each time she ate this salad, she raved about how delicious it was!

1 can black beans drained and rinsed

1 can mandarin oranges drained (or one orange peeled and diced or 1 cup diced strawberries or 1 mango peeled and diced or any combination of the above fruits)

1/4 to 1/2 sweet onion (about 1/3 cup) finely diced

1 head cilantro chopped (leaves only)

1 red bell pepper diced (optional)

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger root or 1 tsp ginger paste

Olive oil to taste (about 1-2 tbsp)

2 tbsp fresh orange juice

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

optional: 1/2 cup diced jicama

optional: i jalapeno or serrano chile seeded and finely diced

Serve as a side dish to chicken or fish or over mixed greens or baby spinach as a meal